Jamie Orrison
Senior Recreation Manager
Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Prince Williams County, Virginia - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, October/November 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have been working with the Prince William County team since 1997 where I began my aquatics journey as a lifeguard. I have had the opportunity to hold several aquatic leadership positions within the department to include Senior Aquatic Specialist, General Manager, Aquatics Director and my current role as Senior Recreation Manager where I oversee department wide aquatic, waterpark and fitness center operations. I have a degree in business administration from Longwood University.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am an Ellis & Associates Instructor Trainer, a Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Certified Pool Operator Instructor and a National Recreation and Park Association Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Growing up as a competitive swimmer, it seemed to be a natural fit that my first job would be a lifeguard. I never imagined so many years ago that I would find such fulfillment working in the industry and coaching and mentoring the next group of aquatic professionals. Promoting the importance of water safety is truly a passion. I have the ability to make difference in the community in which I work and live.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The people! The waterpark industry truly has some of the hardest working, passionate indi-viduals I have ever had the opportunity to work alongside. I love the comradery and the ability to reach out to a fellow operator or leader for support whenever needed.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My parents played a huge role in involvement with swimming which eventually led to me be- coming a lifeguard. They also provided my brother and I with a solid foundation of work ethic, commitment and an understanding of never giving up on your dreams. To this day they are still super supportive of my career path, even though it was not my original career trajectory. In the industry there are too many to list who have inspired me through my leadership journey. I am constantly learning from others, and I am thankful for all those I have had the opportunity to work with, teach and lead with throughout the years.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Every year seems to bring its own unique challenges. There is no doubt that the pandemic pushed us out of our comfort zones and forced us to look hard at our current operations, staffing structures, program offerings and just how we would be able to serve our community through a pandemic. We as an organization and an industry are still feeling some of the effects of a missed season of operations but in many ways we are a stronger team because of it. Our aquatic team has risen to the challenge and has worked hard to support one another and many managers have had the opportunity to work in new roles and learn other aspects of our aquatics division. I will consider that a major win for the future of our department’s aquatics division.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
When the days are long or stressful, I try to spend time watching just how happy our visitors are when they come to the waterparks and pools or spend some extra time with our frontline staff. Our facilities are where memories are made for families, friends and our work teams. We can make a difference every day in the lives of others, and I truly find motivation in continuing to provide safe and fun places for guest to make memories!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
DO IT! I think for most of us working in the waterpark industry it wasn’t necessarily in our life “plan;” however, someone inspired us to feel that we could do this. I would encourage anyone who is interested to find a mentor, ask questions, get involved and continue to find ways to learn and grow. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOS T FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I am a big fan of Simon Sinek and try to focus on WHY I do what I do each and every day. His book
Better Together sits on my office shelf for a daily reminder that we truly are better together. Together we can always find a way!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Every day is different!
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I do not think I would change if I were to start all over again. Even on the hard days I am thankful for the opportunities I have been afforded in the aquatics industry.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I attended my first WWA Show back in 2003 and was amazed that there were hundreds of professionals just like me! We are facing the same challenges, and find the same fulfillment in teaching, coaching and mentoring others on aquatic safety. It is a wonderful organization to continue to learn and grow as an aquatics professional and leader, as well as make lifelong connections with people.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
Not only am I still working where I had my first job, I learned how to swim at one of the aquatic and fitness centers that I now oversee. There are patrons and staff who have truly watched me grow up!